Earl Thomas and Co. aren’t resting on their laurels

There should be no shortage of confidence in the Seahawks’ secondary, not after that group sent three members to the Pro Bowl in 2011.

But based on comments defensive coordinator Gus Bradley made during an appearance on “Brock and Salk” last week, that confidence won’t lead to complacency.

Earl Thomas

“Some guys have said, ‘Well, they went to the Pro Bowl, and how is that going to affect them?'” Bradley said. “I know I got a text from Earl Thomas the other night, on Tuesday about 9:45 at night. He was trying to get the code for the DB room, to [watch] film. So right there that shows you their mentality. They’ll sneak in here to try to get on the JUGS machine in the indoor practice facility at night.

“They’re just driven that way. I think that’s why we’re so excited about this group.”

Thomas’ interception totals decreased from his rookie season to last year — he had five in 2010 and two in 2011 — but the improvement he showed elsewhere was enough for him to be named a Pro Bowl starter.

Strong safety Kam Chancellor, also in his second season, was added to the Pro Bowl roster as an injury replacement. So was cornerback Brandon Browner, who was technically not a rookie but was still playing in his first NFL season. Rookie cornerback Richard Sherman didn’t make the Pro Bowl, but played well once he became a starter mid-season. That trio combined for 14 interceptions and, along with Thomas, helped Seattle’s pass defense improve from 27th in 2010 to 11th last season.

“As Pete said when he first got here, he said, ‘Gus, we are going to build this team this defense with guys that love ball. And we’ve got to do that. That’s first and foremost,'” Bradley said. “And I think with guys like Kam and Earl and Browner, even though they’ve experienced some success, they just love football and that’s their No. 1 deal and they just want to be greatest they can be or the best they can be at their positions.”